Around 80 companies are members of the Packaging Valley Germany e.V. network. The association is now showing how the individual member companies are facing up to the coronavirus pandemic with an insight into the Corona project portfolio of the packaging cluster. As expected, the spectrum ranges from production and packaging to the development of new business areas.
The coronavirus pandemic poses particular challenges for all of us, including companies that are active in the Packaging Valley have joined forces. Not only are new machines developed here under high pressure and existing systems adapted to the new requirements, they are also put into operation under special circumstances with all quality features.
Flexibility is required: projects are rescheduled in consultation with customers in order to relocate capacities. New work processes have been established to maintain production and supply chains while maximising the protection of the workforce. The network offers a brief overview of the developments and solutions of individual companies in its report published today Corona project portfolio.
From production to packaging
Technologies from Syntegon Technology are used in the Production of vaccines for use. These include systems for the production of vaccine substances and for filling into injection vials as well as inspection machines for quality control. Thanks to the former Bosch packaging division's experience with biotechnological medicines, the technologies are also suitable for the new and highly sensitive mRNA vaccines suitable. The company also ramped up its services in the pharmaceutical sector right at the start of the pandemic in order to meet the immense demand for rapid maintenance and machine conversions.
A fast and safe Filling of sensitive substances is also guaranteed by Rommelag's coolBFS technology. Experts consider the blow-fill-seal process to be one of the safest aseptic filling methods available. Rommelag is the only company in the world to have a BFS pharma production facility certified to Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) requirements at its Swiss contract filling plant not far from Lucerne.
The Packaging of the small vials in cartons is handled by the systems from Harro Höfliger. Feeding, filling, closing, labelling, quality control - all automatically. Fully automatic packaging lines are also provided here in multi-shift operation within a very short time. Markus Höfliger, Deputy Chairman of the Packaging Valley Management Board, emphasises the importance of a network: „Without Partner companies and a functioning supply chain, such a mammoth task cannot be completed in such a small time window.“ The company's process technology is also used in the production of tests to detect the coronavirus. Harro Höfliger also receives automation support from Heitec.
High performance and fast provision of sensitive products make precise robot technology irreplaceable. Here in particular, undamaged storage and transport is more important than ever. PCA Roboter- und Verpackungstechnik GmbH rapidly supplies systems for secure packaging and palletising so-called absorbers. They are mainly used in operating theatres to keep the air clean.
Disinfection, masks, filters & co.
In addition to filling and capping systems for vaccines and therapeutic drugs, Optima also supplies systems for the production of masks and filters. Since the beginning of the pandemic, the company's employees have been working hard to ensure that existing systems are ready for use as quickly as possible. Vaccine filling adapted and new systems built. Optima is thus making a decisive contribution to overcoming the Covid-19 pandemic. SMC Germany has also mobilised all of its capacities at short notice to help with the delivery of pneumatic and electrical components for the Production of the mask machines support. With virtual machine acceptance tests and numerous digital services, Optima also ensures that systems are delivered on time and that customers receive the best possible support.
Schmersal GmbH has developed a completely new respiratory protection mask. The company specialises in machine and personal protection. The Mask with replaceable filter offers the best protection against aerosols even under production conditions. With a special access control system that regulates the number of visitors, Schmersal provides the answer to the policy measures.
Omron has set itself the task of disinfecting and protecting personnel. Together with partner companies, self-propelled UV disinfection robot onto the market. The robotics expert is also helping to develop specialised automatic machines that facilitate the production of Diagnostic test kits accelerate.
Feeding technology experts Afag and Ho-Ma also supply specially developed components for the rapid production of Covid-19 tests. Afag GmbH is rapidly producing new Feeding stations with special drive technology ready. In cooperation with partner companies, Ho-Ma GmbH is supplying two semi-automatic robot systems for the error-free production of cartridges used for corona tests within just a few weeks. One of the systems will be used in Germany and one abroad.
In addition to checkweighers, Wipotec also supplies components for inspection and serialisation solutions for a Reliable traceability of the medicines. Short delivery times are an outstanding feature: 32 checkweighers were delivered to China within six weeks.
Alfred-Giesser Messerfabrik GmbH from Winnenden shows that there are other ways to make a contribution. Without further ado, the knife manufacturer provides the local vaccination centre with its Ultra deep freezer ready. The company also supplies knives for syringe manufacturers. This currently accounts for almost 50 per cent more turnover, which also means 50 per cent more output.
Conclusion: According to the association, specialists for the packaging of sensitive products, turnkey lines, digitalisation tools, automation components and engineering projects are currently more in demand than ever. This is where the network is particularly well positioned.
[infotext icon]About Packaging Valley Germany e. V.
Founded in Schwäbisch Hall in 2007, the association Packaging Valley Germany e. V. is the world's most innovative cluster in the packaging industry, which emerged from a merger of the Packaging Valley Germany and Packaging Excellence Region Stuttgart clusters. It networks around 80 companies with over 20,000 employees. These include manufacturers of packaging systems and packaging machines, providers of software and automation solutions, manufacturers of components, providers of services relating to the packaging industry and public institutions[/infotext].
Source: Packaging Valley e.V.
